League Player News

Jordan (foot) was sidelined for team drills during OTAs on Thursday, Josh Katzenstein of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: It's unclear exactly how much individual work Jordan may have been able to put in Thursday, but it looks like the saints are easing the defensive end back onto the field after he underwent minor foot surgery back in February. There hasn't been much concern surrounding Jordan's healthy since the surgery, however, and there isn't much of a reason to rush him back onto the practice field. Expect another update on Jordan's status to come during the team's mandatory minicamp in June.

Analysis: The 6-foot-3, 223-pounder is looking to get back on track after a rough 2017 campaign in which he was limited to 20 catches for 256 yards and two TDs in 12 games (including nine with the Browns). The 10-year pro is currently flying under the radar in fantasy circles, but Reiss noted that Britt was running well Tuesday and if the 29-year-old can continue to develop a good rapport with QB Tom Brady, there's bounce-back potential here.

ESPN's Mike Reiss views Patterson as a roster lock "because of his value as a kickoff returner and gunner."

Analysis: At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Patterson adds size to the Patriots' wideout corps, but how much of a role he ends up carving out in the offense has yet to be determined. The 2013 first-rounder is off the fantasy radar for now, but beyond the fact that Julian Edelman and Chris Hogan top the team's depth chart, not much is set. Patterson will thus contend for slotting with the likes of Jordan Matthews, Malcolm Mitchell (knee), Phillip Dorsett, Kenny Britt and Braxton Berrios.

Gronkowski and the Patriots have reportedly made progress toward a new contract, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Be it in the form of a raise, or an extension, it looks like Gronkowski will be playing this coming season under new contract terms. Either way, he's slated to be present for the Patriots' mandatory minicamp (June 5-7), as is starting QB Tom Brady.

Gillislee "did not appear to be as quick or fluid" as most of the Patriots' other running backs during positional work in the team's current voluntary OTAs, Paul Perillo of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: There's time for Gillislee to pick up the pace, but his outlook with the Patriots has changed quite a bit since last spring when he was signed to replace LeGarrette Blount as the team's "big back." His projected assignment appeared to carry TD-upside with it, but after a strong start, things fizzled out for Gillislee in 2017. He's fighting for a roster spot at this stage, with Brandon Bolden, Jeremy Hill and undrafted free agent Ralph Webb also battling for slotting behind roster locks Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead and James White.